The term “sharing economy” is based on the idea of exchanging, lending, or giving away things, space or knowledge. This form of collaborative consumption is on the rise right now, with startups that offer these kind of services springing up everywhere. And this so-called “shareconomy” is also making it possible for travellers to make their trips more sustainable. Platforms such as AirBnB have long been offering travellers the opportunity to combine cheap accommodation with a unique experience – making their trips more affordable and more authentic than ever before.
The website GoCambio.com takes this concept one step further: guests are able to stay overnight at people’s private homes without handing over any money at all. This is how it works: the host gets two hours of language lessons, and in return their guest receives food and accommodation. This “sharing is caring” concept doesn’t just allow people to travel more cheaply and others to get lower-cost language lessons: it also paves the way for intercultural exchange between those involved, whether that be just the unique homestay experience or cool insider tips that you’d never find in Lonely Planet.
People can set up a profile for free on the website and enter information about what they’re offering or looking for. If a match is found, they can exchange details and get in touch. And the concept seems be working: since March over 4000 users have registered, from more than 95 countries around the world.
Tools such as GoCambio don’t only offer independent people a cheap bed for the night, or a just exchange of skills and experience (although that’s pretty cool too): they’re also an important step towards truly sustainable travel, allowing people to have unforgettable adventures without resorting to the often environmentally-damaging and consume-orientated lures of mass tourism.
To find out more about how GoCambio works and to how you can register too, take a look at the video below:
Want to know more about the sharing economy and how it works in practice? Then take a look at our knowledge article to find out the facts, and our Act Now article to get started.
Translated from an article written by Simon originally published on our German platform.